Cruisers

1996Yamaha V-Max 1200

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The 1996 Yamaha V-Max 1200 is a muscle cruiser designed for aggressive riders seeking raw power and performance. Its potent 1198cc V4 engine delivers 140 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the fastest production cruisers of its era. Best known for exceptional acceleration and distinctive styling, it appeals to experienced riders wanting serious straight-line performance in a cruiser package.

Capacity: 1198.0 ccm
Engine: V - Configuration four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 262.0 kg
Seat height: 765 mm
Power: 140.0 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering40%

City riding45%

Daily riding50%

Touring35%

Two-up40%

Track40%

Best for: Built as a straight-line power cruiser, this bike exists to deliver brutal acceleration and a menacing V4 soundtrack rather than to carve corners or cover long distances efficiently.
Built for: A raw, muscle-bound icon with brutal midrange punch, shaft-drive reliability, and a cult following built on attitude over refinement.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for new riders, anyone seeking nimble cornering, or those wanting a comfortable long-distance touring machine.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 765mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Yamaha V-Max 1200, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1198.0 ccm
Power: 140.0 HP
Torque: 118.0 Nm (12.0 kgf-m)
Engine type: V - Configuration four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5344 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 66.0 mm
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1590 mm
Seat height: 765 mm
Dry weight: 262.0 kg

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Single disc

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1997	1999	2000	2001
Capacity	1198.00 ccm (73.10 cubic inches)	1198.00 ccm (73.10 cubic inches)	1198.00 ccm (73.10 cubic inches)	1198.00 ccm (73.10 cubic inches)	1198.00 ccm (73.10 cubic inches)
Dry weight	262.0 kg (577.6 pounds)	262.0 kg (577.6 pounds)	262.0 kg (577.6 pounds)	262.0 kg (577.6 pounds)	—
Seat height	765 mm (30.1 inches)	765 mm (30.1 inches)	710 mm (28.0 inches)	710 mm (28.0 inches)	795 mm (31.3 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	—	—	—	15.00 litres (3.96 gallons)